International urology and nephrology
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Uremic tumoral calcinosis (UTC) is a form of metastatic tissue calcification unique to dialysis patients, manifesting with amorphous and cystic masses containing calcium phosphate deposits in periarticular soft tissue. An involvement of the cervical spine with bone destruction is extremely rare in UTC. ⋯ To date, the patient maintains uneventful postoperative course with tight control of serum phosphorus, calcium, and secondary hyperparathyroidism by medical treatment. We also review other reported unusual cases of UTC involving the cervical spine and discuss the differential diagnosis of destructive spinal lesions in uremic patients, such as UTC, dialysis-related amyloidosis, and brown tumors.
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C.E.R.A. is a continuous erythropoietin receptor activator with characteristics that permit a once-monthly schedule of administration for the maintenance treatment for chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients. The main objective of this study was to assess the maintenance of Hb concentration with once-monthly intravenous and/or subcutaneous C.E.R.A. therapy in Latin American dialysis patients with chronic renal anemia previously treated with epoetin alfa s.c or i.v 1-3 times per week. ⋯ Once-monthly C.E.R.A. treatment effectively maintains stable Hb concentrations in patients with chronic renal anemia undergoing dialysis with a good safety and tolerability profile.
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To evaluate the outcomes of augmentation cystoplasty in patients with bladder contractures secondary to chronic ketamine abuse. ⋯ Ketamine cystitis is an emerging medical condition that requires a multi-disciplinary approach to manage the patients. Simple surgical management of the physical component of the contracted bladder may produce only suboptimal results, and could even cause further problems in some patients. The importance of compliance with post-operative care and abstinence from drug use should be stressed to the patients before surgery. In view of the high complication rate, the option of a simple ileal conduit should also be discussed prior to surgical intervention.
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Comparative Study
Neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin is a sensitive biomarker for the early diagnosis of acute rejection after living-donor kidney transplantation.
Early diagnosis of kidney allograft dysfunction is crucial for the management and long-term survival of transplanted kidneys. We investigated whether neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (NGAL), interleukin 18 (IL-18), and liver-type fatty acid-binding protein (L-FABP) are capable of being used as novel biomarkers of acute kidney allograft dysfunction. ⋯ Urine NGAL level was found to be the most sensitive biomarker of acute kidney allograft dysfunction after living-donor kidney transplantation.
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Comparative Study
Impact of anemia on contrast-induced nephropathy (CIN) in patients undergoing percutaneous coronary interventions.
The aim of the present study was to assess the influence of anemia on the risk of developing contrast-induced nephropathy after percutaneous coronary angioplasty. ⋯ Anemia is associated with a higher incidence of CIN in patients with moderate renal dysfunction. Patients with both preexisting renal insufficiency and anemia are at high risk of CIN. Baseline eGFR and baseline hemoglobin are independent predictors of CIN.